Belarus

Lukashenka Briefly Reappears In Public

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka pictured at a polling station on March 19 (epa) April 4, 2006 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka was shown on state television today, his first TV appearance in a week and the first since he postponed his inauguration to a third term.

In brief footage, Lukashenka was shown meeting the Kazakh ambassador to Minsk.


Lukashenka has made only a few public appearances since his disputed reelection on March 19, fueling speculation he may be ill. An announcement shortly after the vote that he was postponing his inauguration had added to the rumors.


Agency reports differed on how he appeared on television today, with some saying he was pale and tired, while others saying he seemed in good form.


The inauguration is now scheduled to take place on April 8.


(Reuters, AP, AFP)

Election Day In Images

Election Day In Images

Click on the image to view a photo gallery of election-day events in Belarus.


THE BELARUS ELECTION: To view a complete archive of RFE/RL's coverage of the March 19 presidential election, click here.

To read and listen to RFE/RL's Belarus Service's coverage of the vote in Belarusian, click here.